BAGHDAD — Iraq’s top Shiite cleric urged the government on Friday to press ahead with reforms, but cautioned that the anti-corruption campaign must not come at the expense of the fight against Daesh (the so-called IS) group and should remain within the boundaries of the law.



In a sermon delivered by a deputy, Ali Al-Sistani said the government had no choice but to continue the reforms and must swiftly go after the “big thieves of public funds.”



The Iranian-born cleric also cautioned against the reform campaign distracting authorities from the fight against Daesh, describing it as the “most honorable and righteous battle because it is fought in defense of our existence and future.”



Al-Sistani representative Ahmed Al-Safi said in comments delivered at Karbala, south of Baghdad: “The battle for reform must not distract us from that fight.” — AFP